Contradiction with 1 Samuel 15:35
This verse describes how Samuel mourned for Saul and did not see him again before his death, setting up the implication that Samuel advising Saul after his death creates a contradiction with the living Samuel's final stance on Saul.
1 Samuel 15:35: And Samuel came no more to see Saul until the day of his death: nevertheless Samuel mourned for Saul: and the LORD repented that he had made Saul king over Israel.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 18:10-12
This passage condemns seeking communication with the dead, in contradiction to 1 Samuel 28:16, where Saul seeks and receives guidance from the spirit of Samuel.
Deuteronomy 18:10-12: There shall not be found among you [any one] that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, [or] that useth divination, [or] an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch,
Contradiction with Ecclesiastes 9:5
This verse claims the dead know nothing, which contradicts the idea of Samuel providing knowledge and prophecy to Saul in 1 Samuel 28:16.
Ecclesiastes 9:5: For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.
Contradiction with 1 Chronicles 10:13-14
It explains Saul's death as a consequence of his unfaithfulness and seeking guidance from a medium, contradicting the effectiveness or legitimacy of the encounter in 1 Samuel 28:16.
1 Chronicles 10:13-14: So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the LORD, [even] against the word of the LORD, which he kept not, and also for asking [counsel] of [one that had] a familiar spirit, to enquire [of it]; [committed: Heb. transgressed]
Contradiction with Isaiah 8:19
This verse advises against consulting the dead, contradicting the narrative of consulting Samuel's spirit in 1 Samuel 28:16.
Isaiah 8:19: And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead?
Paradox #1
One potential contradiction or conflict with 1 Samuel 28:16 could arise from the context in which King Saul consults a medium to summon the prophet Samuel's spirit, despite biblical teachings that prohibit and condemn necromancy and consulting the dead. This raises questions about the nature of the event and God's allowance or disapproval, which can lead to debates on whether it conflicts with other scriptural teachings against such practices.
Paradox #2
1 Samuel 28:16 presents a situation where Saul seeks guidance through a medium, despite previously banning such practices. This may seem inconsistent with the broader Biblical teaching against seeking mediums or consulting the dead for guidance, as outlined in other parts of the Bible. This contradiction highlights Saul's desperation and disobedience to God's commandments.
Paradox #3
1 Samuel 28:16 might raise questions because it's a story where King Saul seeks guidance from the prophet Samuel's spirit through a medium, even though consulting spirits was against God's law. This can seem inconsistent with other parts of the Bible that discourage seeking guidance from the dead or using mediums.
Paradox #4
The contradiction in this verse could be seen in the context of Saul seeking guidance from a spirit medium, which goes against God's laws. This inconsistency lies in Saul's actions: while he is supposed to follow God's commands, he turns to forbidden practices for answers, highlighting a conflict between his role as king and his desperate actions.